Bureau of Immigration arrests 180 foreign fugitives in 2024

DAVAO CITY  – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported that its operatives arrested a total of 180 foreign fugitives in 2024, a significant increase from the 128 apprehended in 2023. These individuals were wanted in their respective countries for various serious crimes and had sought refuge in the Philippines to evade prosecution.

Commissioner Joel Viado said the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) conducted operations nationwide, successfully capturing alien fugitives hiding in various locations.

“Nearly all of them have already been deported to their home countries, where they are now serving prison sentences after being convicted of their crimes,” said BI-FSU Acting Chief Rendel Ryan Sy.

Commissioner Viado commended the FSU for its efforts, emphasizing that the Philippines will not be a safe haven for criminals.

“As we have repeatedly declared, the Philippines is off-limits to all foreign fugitives. This country is not a sanctuary for alien criminals,” Viado stated. “The order of the President is clear—protect our nation from external threats,” he added.

The FSU reported that the majority of arrested fugitives were South Korean nationals, followed by Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese individuals. The breakdown is as follows:

• 74 South Koreans
• 62 Chinese nationals
• 12 Taiwanese
• 11 Japanese
• 7 Americans
• 2 Italians
• 2 Australians
• 1 Briton, 1 Canadian, 1 German, 1 Indian, 1 Indonesian, 1 Jordanian, 1 Kyrgyzstani, 1 Liberian, 1 Nigerian, and 1 Serbian

These foreign nationals were wanted for a range of serious offenses, including Economic crimes, Investment scams
Illegal gambling, Money laundering, Telecommunications fraud,  Robbery, Narcotics trading ,and Notable High-Profile Arrests.

Among the most significant arrests in 2024 were:

• 🔹 Six Japanese members of the notorious ‘Luffy’ gang – Takayuki Kagashima, Sawada Masaya, Ueda Koji, Suzuki Seiji, Kiyohara Jun, and Nagaura Hiroki, all wanted for scams, extortion, and fraud-related activities.
• 🔹 Australian national Gregor Johann Haas and Serbian fugitive Predrag Mirkovic – Both arrested for illegal drug-related crimes.
• 🔹 Indian-Nepalese fugitive Joginder Geong – Captured for murder, extortion, and robbery charges.
• BI’s Ongoing Crackdown on Foreign Criminals

The BI reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts to track down and deport foreign criminals seeking refuge in the country. The agency vowed to strengthen coordination with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitives can no longer use the Philippines as a hideout.

“There will be no letup in our crackdown on foreign fugitives. We will continue to enforce immigration laws to protect national security and ensure that these criminals face justice in their home countries,” Viado emphasized.

The BI encourages the public to report any suspected illegal foreign activities to authorities for immediate action.